Philadelphia Phillies: Phils to sign Chad Durbin pending a physical

CHERRY HILL, N.J. — Chad Durbin, a contributor to two Phillies World Series teams, will be given another chance to try for a third.

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. acknowledged Monday that the 35-year-old right-handed relief pitcher will join the club. A physical is pending. The one-year deal is for a reported $1.1 million, not including incentives.

“It gives us some depth,” Amaro said before the Philadelphia Sports Writers Dinner at the Cherry Hill Crowne Plaza. “He was a guy who was out there at a very good price and still available late in the deal. There were some other clubs that were in on him. He loved Philadelphia and liked being in Philly and we’re hoping to get something done in the next 24 hours or so.”

Durbin was 4-1 in 76 games for the Braves last season with a 3.10 ERA. He was with the Phillies from 2008 through 2010, then signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians in 2011.

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“I think Durbin gives us a veteran down in the bullpen, especially with our young pitchers,” Charlie Manuel said. “He definitely is a tremendous guy to have on your team. He can handle the fifth, sixth inning and get some big outs for you. He can save the back end of your bullpen at times. He did a good job for us when he was here. And he actually did a real good job last year.”

Durbin will be entering his 14th major league season. He was 11-7 in his three seasons with the Phils.

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The Phillies signed infielder Yuniesky Betancourt, 30, to a minor league contract. Betancourt hit .228 with seven home runs in 57 games last season with the Kansas City Royals. He plays second base, shortstop and third base.

The Santa Clara, Cuba, native had been playing in the Mexican Winter League, where he hit .308 with seven home runs in 26 games. He played for the Seattle Mariners from 2005-2009, the Milwaukee Brewers in 2011 and the Royals from 2009-2010 and again last season.

“Just to give us some depth,” Amaro said. “I think that some competition for one of the utility spots. We have Freddy (Galvis) and (Kevin) Frandsen, who have a chance to be on the club. And so does Yuni. He’s got some experience and background. We’ll see how it goes. It gives us some depth.”

He is a .266 career hitter. In 2010, he hit 16 home runs for the Royals.

“I am kind of interested in seeing him work out and play and stuff,” Manuel said. “I always liked his tools. I think, with the talent that he has, it gives us more competition going into spring training.”

Manuel has not ruled out Betancourt for a major-league roster spot.

“We are bringing him in to see what he can do,” the manager said. “With the experience he’s got, it depends on how well he plays and what we think.”